Contact ChildLine by phone

ChildLine is always open - call 0800 1111 anytime

When you phone ChildLine, your call will be answered by our switchboard and they will ask you if you would like to talk today. Your call will then be put into the queue to talk to a counsellor. The person on the switchboard will let you know if you will have to wait before speaking to a counsellor.

When you get through to a counsellor, you'll be speaking to someone who cares. The counsellors are all trained - they'll listen and try to help you work things out.

If you're scared or feel out of control, that's OK. You can tell ChildLine. Our counsellors are there to listen and sometimes to put you in touch with someone who can help you if that's what you want.

What if I'm finding it hard to talk about what's happening?

Speaking out about problems or talking about your feelings can be really difficult, but it's the right thing to do. Lots of young people tell ChildLine that talking about their worries or problems has really helped them.

We can suggest other people who could help and will tell you what may happen if you decided to involve them. If you feel too scared or shy to talk to someone else then, if you want us to, ChildLine can talk to other people for you.

Is ChildLine confidential?

Calls to ChildLine are confidential - you can talk about whatever you want to and we won't tell anyone else, unless you want us to, or you tell us you are in danger. A ChildLine counsellor will only take action if it's an emergency.

ChildLine in Welsh?

We currently don't offer a 24 hour Welsh speaking counselling service. However, we do have a number of Welsh speaking counsellors at ChildLine. If one isn't available when you call, we can arrange for you to call back to speak to one of them.

What if I can't get through to ChildLine?

We take a lot of calls from people needing to talk, and sometimes you might not get through the first time you call. If you don't get through, please keep trying and we will answer your call as soon as we can.

Will my call to ChildLine be on the phone bill, and can I call free on my mobile?

Because ChildLine is an 0800 number, calls are free and don't show up on BT, cable or mobile phone bills.

Calls to ChildLine on 0800 1111 are free from mobile phones even if you don't have credit.

Live in the Channel Islands? Calls may be chargeable from mobiles and the number will appear on your mobile bill. To call us free from the Channel Islands, we advise that you use a landline or phone box.

Remember, you can also contact a counsellor in confidence for free through online chat or email.

What can I call ChildLine about?

You can talk to ChildLine about anything - no matter what it is. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can call ChildLine.

Young people phone about all kinds of things like feeling lonely or unloved, worries about their future, problems at school, bullying, crime, drugs, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, physical and sexual abuse, running away and concerns about parents, brothers, sisters and friends.

Whatever your worry, large or small, we're here to offer information and support. When you are ready.

Call ChildLine on 0800 1111.

What should I say when I call ChildLine?

It can be hard to talk if you are upset or feeling hurt and you might not know what to say. Your ChildLine counsellor will give you plenty of time and help you as much as possible to talk about what's wrong so that we can help you.

There are a few things that you can do before you call, which might make talking easier:- If possible make the call from somewhere you are safe and where you won't be interrupted.- If you do have to use a public phone or make the call outside, try and stay somewhere quiet without too much noise. This will help your counsellor hear you properly.- You can call at any time, but it might help if you have a think about what you want to say before you call.

What kind of person or people will I speak to?

ChildLine counsellors are trained volunteers who all have experience of listening to children and young people.A ChildLine counsellor is someone:- who will listen to you and knows it takes courage to call - who you can trust - who won't judge you or put you down - who is not easily shocked - who is aware of the sorts of problems you might be worried about- who is supported when they answer calls by a ChildLine Supervisor

What do I have to tell ChildLine when I call?

The counsellor might ask you what your name is, but you don't have to give your name or any details about yourself if you don't want to.

You can talk to us about anything, so think about how you feel and tell us about it. The more you talk about what is happening and how it makes you feel, the more we can understand and help you.

We might ask you some questions to try and understand how you are feeling or to help you talk about it. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to.

Tell us if you are finding it difficult to talk about what's wrong. You can call back at anytime, even if you didn't talk the first time you called.

When you call us, you are in control. You can end the call at any time. If you want to call back later, that's fine, we are here 24 hours a day.

So go on, make that call - there is a ChildLine counsellor waiting to listen every day of the year.

Message boards

Have you got something to say, or want to ask a question? Visit the message board to have your say.

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